First overseas visit in several years

I made my first overseas business trip in two and a half years, as the infection situation of the new coronavirus has subsided a bit and national border measures in various countries have been eased.

This was my first overseas business trip since I became the president in June 2020.

I went to Thailand to attend the general shareholders meeting of one of our group companies, ITTC.

ITTC is a joint company (joint venture), and I was able to meet directly with its partners to discuss various issues.

In the evening, we were invited to the partner’s home, received hospitality, and had a meaningful time.

I was also glad that, although it was only for a short time, I was able to visit the bases of all six group companies operating in Thailand.

The local employees reported to me on the status of production and improvements at their plants.

Seeing how everyone was working hard, I was able to realize that various Kaizens were definitely progressing, and I myself was energized.

I was able to reaffirm the importance of meeting in person, rather than just via the Internet.

I am also very proud of all the chief managers of production bases who have been contributing to the growth of the local group companies over the past two years without being able to return to their home countries.

Their tireless efforts are the very essence of "Banji-nissei”.

I was on my way home, praying that the Corona pandemic would be settled and things would return to the way they used to be.